Lennon appreciates support

Neil Lennon has thanked the Celtic fans for their show of support during the win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

Security was tightened around Lennon ahead of the trip to Ayrshire as Strathclyde Police launched an investigation after parcels "designed to cause harm'' were sent to Lennon, Paul McBride QC and Labour politician Trish Godman.

The former Celtic skipper had bullets sent to him earlier in the season and a suspicious package addressed to him was intercepted.

In the 18th minute of the 4-0 win over Killie, Celtic fans applauded and chanted the manager's name, a gesture appreciated by the Irishman.

"It was a tremendous gesture and I can't thank the supporters enough for the following they gave us, not just me personally, but the team,'' Lennon told the Huddle Online. "It spurred the team on to a great performance and there seems to be a groundswell now of support and a unity between the squad and supporters as a whole.

"We are going to need that between now and the end of the season, but from a personal point of view, I really can't thank them enough.''

Focusing on Celtic's impressive performance over Kilmarnock, which took them to within a point of SPL leaders Rangers having played a game less, Lennon said: "There was a great intensity to the way we played. Our approach to the game was very good and our quality of play throughout the whole 90 minutes was of a very high standard.''

Talking about this Sunday's Old Firm derby at Ibrox, the seventh of the season, he said.

"I have a target in mind that I have had since the start of the season - and that's to try to bring the championship back to the club - and I have not been swayed on that by any means.

"I am just totally committed to and concentrated on my players and how to keep them in the best possible form between now and the end of May.''